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Pictured above: Eric Rhew with his father-in-law Mike O'Brien at the 2021 College Cup in Cary, North Carolina.
This story is part of our January 2022 CoSIDA 360 package, to view more stories,
click here.
Family Values
Volunteering together at championship events has become a bonding experience for Eric Rhew and family.
by Rob Knox – UNC Greensboro, Associate AD for Strategic Communications // CoSIDA Past President @knoxrob1
Veteran strategic communicator Eric Rhew enjoys spending time with his father-in-law, Mike O’Brien. When you are separated by only 10 minutes, that leaves plenty of time to attend sporting events together, walk UNCW’s scenic campus, and assist at the NCAA Men's Soccer College Cup.
Sorry, Jim Nantz, but Rhew and his father-in-law working together on the final weekend of the Division I men’s soccer season is a tradition unlike any other. Well, one that started in 2019.
“Being the official scorer for the NCAA College Cup in Cary, N.C., is special, but when you can do it with your father-in-law as I do, it means that much more,” Rhew said. “It has become something I look forward to every year — not just because of the event, but because I also get to do it with my father-in-law. We have such a good time working the event and I think he looks forward to it just as much as I do. It's something we talk about for months leading into the weekend.”
Rhew, an assistant director at UNCW, values family.
Once the day is done, Rhew loves relaxing with his wife, Erin, and dog, Piper as well as his in-laws, who have provided tremendous support during Rhew’s time in Wilmington, a city affectionately known as the “Port City.”
Eric Rhew with father-in-law Mike O'Brien.
“I think the best part of being with my father-in-law is just the fact I get to spend quality time with him,” Rhew said. “When I was growing up, I didn't have those opportunities with my father, so when I married my wife, Erin, and got to spend more time with her dad, I had the ability to have those moments I didn't have growing up. We get to talk about whatever event we are working on, or what's going on at home or work. It makes me appreciate the time I have with him that much more and makes me look forward to those games more. No matter what is going on, I know that time with my father-in-law will be one of the highlights of my day.”
The College Cup collaboration happened by accident. It was the result of UNCW being short-staffed when it hosted the 2019 Colonial Athletic Association championship tournament. Rhew was resourceful as he remembered a request to assist whenever it was needed.
“My father-in-law, who has lived in Wilmington since 2016, had always said he would be interested in helping if we ever needed it at UNCW, so I took him up on the offer,” Rhew said. “It was the first year of using NCAA Live Stats, so I needed a spotter to help with fouls. Even though he was a little hesitant to fill that role, I knew he could do the job and he did an amazing job. I already had a spotter (Campbell's Stan Cole) for the 2019 NCAA College Cup, but my father-in-law volunteered to help with credentials.”
The role of his father-in-law evolved from credentials. He continued assisting with regular-season games as a spotter. Rhew serves as the official scorer and inputter. In the spring of 2021 (although it was the 2020 soccer season), Rhew’s father-in-law served as a spotter for the College Cup. They worked six matches over a five-day span, which was memorable.
The dynamic duo teamed up for this past year’s College Cup that concluded with Clemson winning the national championship.
Volunteering at NCAA events is a true family affair for the Rhews.
Eric Rhew and wife Erin at the 2018 Women's College Cup
Rhew’s wife Erin also plays a critical part during NCAA events. She has helped at various championships including the 2014 NCAA Frozen Four when it was in Philadelphia and was part of the media relations team for the 2018 NCAA College Cup in Cary. Not only does Erin help during the events, but she takes photos during the event since Eric is busy working games.
Of course, volunteering at NCAA championship events is a highlight for most strategic communicators. Among some of the positives of volunteering at NCAA events include the chance to assist with a major championship, network, and gain additional event management skills that can be an asset once you return to your campus.
You can bet next year in Cary; they will be together again as another champion is crowned.
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